Inclined Bed Therapy Research
2 peer-reviewed studies supporting this intervention. Evidence rating: C
Study Comparison
| Study | Year | Type | Journal | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chen WC et al. | 2022 | Study | Nature and Science of Sleep | 12° inclined sleeping reduced snoring by 7%, nighttime awakenings by 4%, and increased deep sleep by 5%. |
| Souza FJFB et al. | 2019 | Review | Sleep and Breathing | 7.5° head elevation reduced mild-moderate OSA severity by 31.8% on average. |
Study Details
Nature and Science of Sleep
View Summary
This in-home intervention study examined the effects of sleeping at a 12° incline using an adjustable bed base compared to flat sleeping in adults who snore.
Key findings:
- 7% reduction in snoring
- 4% decrease in nighttime awakenings
- 5% increase in deep sleep
- Improved subjective restfulness ratings
The study suggests inclined sleeping has potential as a non-obtrusive means of reducing snoring and improving sleep quality.
Sleep and Breathing
View Summary
This study examined how head-of-bed elevation affects obstructive sleep apnea severity in patients with mild to moderate OSA.
Key findings:
- 7.5° incline reduced OSA severity by 31.8% average
- Improved oxygen saturation during sleep
- Reduced apnea-hypopnea index
- May be useful adjunct to other OSA treatments
The researchers note positional therapy (including bed elevation) is an underutilized approach for mild-moderate OSA.
Evidence Assessment
This intervention has preliminary evidence from early-stage research, mechanistic studies, or observational data. More rigorous trials are needed.